SISI Rondina has long stood tall in the Philippine volleyball scene as an undersized and high-flying attacker whose fierce attacks are second to none.
Such a decorated career and unrivaled talent came from the reigning Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP — all 5 five feet and five inches of her.
READ: Sisi Rondina never stops working on ‘biggest flaw’ in her game
Rondina, whose stature mirrors that of her alma mater University of Sto. Tomas’ current women’s volleyball players, took pride on how her heart for the game through years past has more than made up for what she lacked in size.
“Lagi ko talagang sinasabi na hindi nadadaan talaga ‘yung gusto mong laro sa pisikal talaga. As long as you give your best, ‘yung heart talaga sa paglalaro, and alam mo ‘yung passion, makikita talaga ng mga tao na gustong-gusto mong maglaro,” Rondina said.
And instead of dwelling on what could’ve been for a player like her if she was taller, the Choco Mucho hotshot embraced her role of reminding shorter athletes every time she sets foot on the court that there will always be a place for them in any sport.
“[Naglalaro rin ako] para rin magbigay inspirasyon sa mga katulad kong maliliit na hindi hadlang ‘yung height para makapaglaro tayo at makatungtong kami dito sa ganitong liga.”
Rondina added: “Ginawa ko lang talaga is kumbaga settled na ko, ganito na ‘yung height ko, hindi na talaga ako tatangkad. Ang kailangan ko lang gawin is mag-disiplina sa talon ko, kung ano ‘yung binigay ni Lord sa’kin.”
The PVL MVP also took it upon herself to continue being a source o hope for up-and-coming volleyball aces.
“Grateful ako kasi isa ako sa mga napili na ganito ‘yung talent and I promise na aalagaan ko to and siyempre para mas marami pa akong matulungan, lalong-lalo na sa paglalaro,” vowed Rondina.
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